THE ETERNAL PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

Happiness is a funny thing…

It’s something that most of us unconsciously spend much of our time searching for; we read, bake, go for long walks, buy the newest clothes and technology all for the purpose of furthering our happiness. We as humans expect that, by doing these things that ignite small sparks of happiness within us we will become happypeople.

As someone who experiences chronic depression/dysthymia with bouts of major depression and anxiety, among other things (I know, I know, I’m a bit of a mess) I’ve spent a lot of my time seeking out happiness; that wonderful cure all which means you have your shit together. Truth is, I do not have my shit together, far from it in fact. However, I’m pretty confident that I am capable of being happy–mental health issues aside–I can laugh, joke, appreciate the beauty in things and love someone with every fibre of my being.

So what’s the deal with this eternal pursuit of happiness that we all find ourselves in?

Why do we exert so much of our energy by attempting to hold on to one particular emotion? Honestly, I’m no scientist/psychologist (at least not yet) but I have got my own theory; in which the truth–or at least my truth–is that happiness is completely subjective. Whether we view happiness as a sometimes fleeting emotion or a state of being, my happiness and your happiness will never truly be the same. Each of us has our own personal brand of happiness that is completely dependent on who we are as people. And that is the beauty of emotion; no two people will ever experience it the same way.

What are your thoughts on happiness and its pursuit? Let me know in the comments below!